Raman Sandhu, co-owner of Max’s Deli in Vancouver, said she’s seen a 30- to 40-per-cent drop in business.

“I’m worried about paying rent, I have groceries, inventory I have to pay,” she said.

“Moreover, I’m worried about my employees. They have been working for me for the last 30 years. I don’t have answers for them. They’re asking me are we shutting down, what’s going to happen to our families, are you guys going to be paying me?”

At a news conference later that afternoon, Premier John Horgan said the government has been in consultation with business leaders to ensure people can make ends meet as more and more self-isolate.

“We’re going to be talking about rent banks, we’re going to be talking about challenges in the financial sector,” Horgan said.

Finance Minister Carole James said the province is also pressing the federal government to extend employment insurance to people who would not normally qualify, such as part-time workers.

Tostenson said he’s expecting a major stimulus announcement from the province, and hopes it’ll include supports for restaurants workers who are laid off, especially because many of them depend on tips.

He said he’d also like to see B.C. back away from the Employer Health Tax and planned minimum wage hikes, along with relief on PST and property taxes once the crisis abates.

“And then from our industry point of view, we just need to encourage people to go in and support the local restaurants, support the local farmers.”